Cost is an ever-important factor in anti-fatigue mat purchases, especially in uncertain economic times. Safety managers need to make sound investments with budgeted dollars while also prioritizing worker safety, satisfaction and productivity. There are two key components that can help you make the most informed decisions – mat cost and life expectancy.  

Below, we explore the average life expectancy of anti-fatigue mats. We also go one step further by uncovering mat cost per square foot per hour worked. Looking at mat expenses in this way can potentially save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars over the course of a single year.  

How Long Do Anti-Fatigue Mats Last?  

The average anti-fatigue mat lasts 1-3 years. Lower-quality mats last as little as 6-12 months, while higher-quality mats can reach beyond 3 years. Premium anti-fatigue mats – like the AcroMat 100-1 Series, 100-ESD Series and Premium NitriTuf – have a life expectancy of up to 8 years with proper care, cleaning and repair. 

But safety managers often need more than a general life expectancy statement when deciding which mat to buy, when trying to build the business case for mat purchases, and when assessing return on investment.

So, let’s go one step deeper. 

Cost Per Hour Worked for a $15 Per Square Foot Mat   

First, the methodology. For the following examples, we will look at the cost and life expectancy of an anti-fatigue mat that is used by a single person for 40 full-time working hours each week (2,080 working hours each year).  

Equation:  

Mat Cost Per Sq. Ft. / (Total Hours x Mat Life Expectancy) = Cost Per Worked Hours Per Sq. Ft. 

Let’s start with AcroMat’s most popular product, the 100-1 Series Premium Anti-Fatigue Mat. These antimicrobial and chemical-resistant mats are made from 100% nitrile rubber. Unlike some lower-quality mats, they can be safely pressure washed or scrubbed with degreaser, bleach, ammonia, and acid-based cleaners. The 100-1 Series costs roughly $15 per square foot and has a 3-8 year lifespan. 

Assuming a 40-hour work week, here is how much the 100-1 Series would cost you per square foot per hour worked by an employee over the mat’s expected lifespan: 

• 3 years – $0.0024 per hour** 
• 5 years – $0.0014 per hour 
• 8 years – $0.0009 per hour 

Cost Per Hour Worked for a $10 Per Square Foot Mat 

Next, consider a floor mat that costs $10 per square foot with a life expectancy between 6 months and 2 years. Assuming a 40-hour work week, here is how much the mat, likely a PVC/nitrile blend, would you cost per square foot per hour worked by an employee over the mat’s expected lifespan: 

• 6 months – $0.0096 per hour 
• 1 year – $0.0048 per hour** 
• 2 years – $0.0024 

Cost Per Hour Worked for a $5 Per Square Foot Mat 

The cheapest anti-fatigue mats, made from PVC/vinyl, often come in at around $5 per square foot, and in turn have a shorter lifespan. Assuming a 40-hour work week and a 6-12 month life expectancy, here is how much the mat would cost you per square foot per hour worked by an employee over the mat’s expected lifespan: 

• 6 months – $0.0048 
• 1 year – $0.0024 

$30 vs. $15 

**A $5 per square foot mat that lasted 6 months would be twice as expensive per hour worked by an employee as the $15 per square foot 100-1 Series mat that lasted 3 years ($0.0048 vs. $0.0024). You would need to purchase 6 of the $5 mats for $30 total to reach the 3-year lifespan of the $15 mat. 

$30 vs. $15 

**A $10 per square foot mat that lasted 1 year would cost you twice as much per hour worked by an employee as the $15 per square foot 100-1 Series mat that lasted 3 years ($0.0048 vs. $0.0024). You would need to purchase 3 of the $10 mats for a total of $30 to reach the 3-year lifespan of the $15 mat. 

$2400 vs. $1200 

**The cost differences really take shape the larger the mat. A 4 x 20 mat (80 square feet) at $10 per square foot would cost $800. If the mat lasted 1 year, it would cost you $0.39 per hour worked. Purchasing the 100-1 Series mat at $15 per square foot would cost $1200. If the $15 100-1 Series mat lasted 3 years, it would cost you $0.19 per hour worked. In sum, you would have to purchase 3 of the $800 mats for a total of $2400 to reach the 3-year lifespan of the $1200 mat. 

Top-quality anti-fatigue mats are an investment in your people and your business. Properly cared for and cleaned regularly, they will not only support your workforce for years without needing to be replaced but can also save you valuable dollars.  

Related: 8 Anti-Fatigue Mat Care and Cleaning Tips to Maximize Your Investment 

Go Deeper During Cost and Life Expectancy Conversations 

Peel back all layers during life expectancy research and conversations. Focusing exclusively on cost without factoring in quality may save you on the front end but can amount to significantly more over time. 

Two final cost and life expectancy considerations:   

1. Look at the warranty. Look closely at the warranty offered on your anti-fatigue mat purchases. Are there hidden caveats? AcroMat mats come with a 2-year full replacement warranty for material and workmanship.

2. Beware of hidden fees. Many anti-fatigue mat providers increase prices when customizations are requested. That $10 per square foot quote might double if you request a unique shape or various cutouts. At AcroMat, the price per square foot never changes. If you need a mat with multiple angles and pivots to maneuver around equipment, the cost per square foot will remain the same. 

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